Percutaneous Nephropyelostomy: A Procedure not without Complications

Abstract

One hundred and twenty-eight percutaneous nephrostomies performed in 81 patients between 1978 and 1981 were studied retrospectively. Placement failures were encountered in 9%, minor complications in 7% and major complications in 6%. Two deaths occurred in connection with the nephrostomies. Catheter complications, mainly catheter dislodgement, were observed in 30% of the cases. The importance of having strict indications and a good technique is emphasised.